Living in the city comes with many benefits such as convenience and accessibility. But there is a downside as well. Because everyone wants to live closer to the business districts, land has become crowded and the price per square meter for city properties is quite expensive. Thus, houses and condominium units in the city are generally much smaller than those in the suburbs.

Small space living can be a nightmare for growing families and packrats. Thankfully, there are a few space-saving solutions you can try to make the most of limited floor area:

Store vertically.

If there isn't enough floor space or table top space, try making use of vertical space. In the children's room, you can use a bunk bed frame to hold a mattress on top and have a study area or closet below. Furniture and housewares like chairs, glasses, and bowls that can be stacked are also ideal. Choose floor to ceiling shelves over low consoles to make better use of available space. Reaching the topmost shelf may be a little hard to reach, but some inconvenient space is better than none! Besides, shelves that go all the way to the ceiling don't gather dust on top.

You can also look to your wall space for additional storage solutions. Start with installing some wall shelving to put away books and knick knacks.  In the bedroom or living areas, you can mount your television to the wall and hang lights to clear up desk space.

The wall isn't the only source of additional space. Have you ever thought of using your ceiling? Hang pots and pans, for example, instead of stowing them in cupboards. That way you can make use of ceiling space and keep copperware within reach while cooking.

Use awkward space.

A house usually holds a lot of dead space where people do not normally put things. Make use of awkward space by creating cabinets or compartments underneath the stairs to house items such as shoes or golf clubs. Bedroom closet overflowing? Hang a row of pockets or hooks behind your closet door to hold accessories like belts, scarves, sunglasses, ties, and bracelets. No place for toiletries and clean towels in your bathroom? Give them some space by putting shelves or a tall rack on top of your toilet tank.

Opt for built-in shelving.

Storage is always a problem in small spaces - there never seems to be enough places to stow everything away! If creating more closets or shelves is not an option, choose furniture that doubles as storage space. Look for sofas with seats, arms or back rests with hidden compartments. Use trunks as coffee tables or storage cubes as night stands. Trade in your standard bed for one with built in storage underneath the mattress or in the headboard.

Fold and hide it away.

If there are things that are not always in use that can be kept and folded away, do so! A family room or study can double as a guest room if the sofa can transform into a sofa bed. If guests are not around, you can always fold the bed back into sofa, and keep the floor clear. Use folding chairs and tables for parties so that they can be folded and stowed when the party is over. In the linen closet, an ironing board that folds into the wall or behind the closet door is advisable, as well as retractable clotheslines like those you see in hotels.

Throw a garage sale.

Do not waste your time finding storage space for things you don't really need. Donate or sell old clothes, books, and toys. If you have lots of excess items, throw a garage sale. Collectibles like comics, cards, and vinyl records will fetch a good price as well as some pre-loved luxury goods.

(Photo source: Flickr Creative Commons)

 11/25/10